I had my pump rebuilt and noticed when I pulled the pump the assembly alignment cage 601589051400 (keeps the IP cam aligned) was still mounted. I can't seem to find any definitive answer as to if the cage should remain in the motor when installing or should it be removed after the pump is locked in.

Never mind. I found the answer.

__________________
91 300GD SWB with transplanted 87 OM603 turbo motor

And in case others have the same question, could you share your findings?

__________________
1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

The Alignment Cage can be left in place with the old-style "non-dammed" vacuum pump gasket. With the new style "dammed" gasket, the cage must be removed as it interferes with the "dam".

If you remove it, hang onto it. They're expensive to replace and make life a lot easier if you have to pull the IP.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

+1 The cage was still in place when I put the new vacuum pump in. The dammed gasket interferes with it, so you can either set it aside or cut the gasket to fit over the bolt.

Thanks guys for the clarification.

__________________
1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).